National franchise group BSR Australia Limited is expanding its presence in the rapidly growing regional city of Gladstone with the opening of a new Chandlers superstore.

The new store, which will be formally launched in early March in the new Gladstone Centro Home Centre, continues BSR Australia’s strong start to 2007, with sales across the group in January comfortably ahead of budget.

“The Chandlers brand is a real Australian icon and it’s pleasing to see it going from strength to strength in a thriving centre such as Gladstone,” says BSR Australia general manager Ian Brown.

The store’s franchisee, Brent Jordison, also owns the Gladstone Betta Electrical.

“The Chandlers brand has been a household name in Gladstone for many years and is recognised as a trusted place to shop,” says Jordison.

“I’m sure customers will embrace the new superstore concept¯the first time it has been seen in Gladstone¯and continue to back locally-owned businesses.”

BSR Australia was formed last year to meet the buying and marketing needs of Betta Electrical and Chandlers retailers who acquired the brands after franchisor Betta Stores Limited was placed in administration.